Israel's government has just announced with images: We have authorized (We have authorized) Greece to extend its maritime territory from 6 nautical miles to 12 nautical miles, in order to safeguard its security. Figure 1
The statement says: "Our military guarantees full defense of Greece. If any fool attacks Greece, we will utterly destroy them."
"We have authorized"—this is extremely odd coming from a non-party state.
The significance of Israel’s move actually lies in systematically pushing Greece to fight Turkey on its behalf, with a promise of full support. Currently, there is no defense agreement binding Israel, allowing neighboring countries to become hostile toward each other, fueling regional instability and seeking to expand conflict into the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.
Historically, the Aegean dispute has been a conflict between Greece and Turkey over maritime sovereignty and related rights. A series of conflicts since the 1970s have severely affected Greek-Turkish relations, even bringing both sides close to open warfare.
Once the 12-nautical-mile limit takes effect, Turkey’s reaction can be easily imagined. Erdogan will inevitably devote massive military resources, diplomatic efforts, and even legislative focus to the territorial sovereignty issue in the Aegean Sea, leaving little room for attention on issues such as Gaza or Iran in the Middle East.
Israel doesn’t need to fire a single shot in the Aegean Sea. Just by planting this "12-nautical-mile" mine, Erdogan will be restless day and night.
Initial calculations show that if Greece expands its territorial waters from 6 to 12 nautical miles, its share of maritime territory in the Aegean Sea will rise from 43% to 71%, while Turkey’s share drops to only 8.8%, and international waters shrink from 49% to 19.7%. See Figure 2 for proportions.
For Israel, provoking the Greco-Turkish dispute offers strategic relief without lifting a finger.
Territory and maritime rights are extremely rigid matters—non-negotiable and irretractable. The inevitable outcome is often military confrontation or war.
This is a classic Israeli calculation: to weaken a nation by exploiting statements and emotions from certain politicians, inciting civil war, or creating conditions that force it to go to war with another country.
As a “third party,” Israel has countless opportunities to benefit. Greece will likely pay Israel enormous protection fees—or purchase weapons.
Fly doesn't bite where there's no crack.
A bit reminiscent of Ukraine.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1875798421432384/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.